New Directors/New Films 2008

If the success of any New Directors/New Films program can be measured by how many films it ushers toward distribution, the 2007 edition of the 37-year-old series was clearly not up to snuff (last year’s best in show, Glue, went straight to video), though in keeping with an almost yearly trend, Oscar was smitten, giving Once their Best Song and nominating War/Dance for Best Documentary.

Another trend that persists is the allotment of at least one spot to a Sundance prizewinner. Last year it was Christopher Zalla’s Padre Nuestro, and this year it’s the program’s opener, Frozen River, Courtney Hunt’s dubious mix of suspense and social melodrama, whose presence can best be attributed to its willingness to pander to highbrow liberal sentiment. Other carryovers from Park City: Lance Hammer’s much-buzzed-about Ballast and Alex Rivera’s divisive Sleep Dealer.

Early highlights include the Philippine drama Foster Child, Katrina documentary Trouble the Water, Moving Midway, by film critic Godfrey Cheshire, about the symbolism and fading reality of the Southern plantation, and Munyurangabo, which investigates the aftermath of the genocide in Rwanda through the experiences of the film’s crew. For a complete schedule of films, screening times and ticket information, please see the festival’s official site. Ed Gonzalez

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